Blacktail goby
📖 Overview
Adults occur in lagoons or bays, in passes, or on outer reef slopes; over hard substrate as well as patches of rubble or sand, usually at the base of the reef. They are usually in pairs and share burrow which is often under a piece of rubble or slab of coral rock. They feed on current-borne zooplankton as high as 3 m above the burrow; tend to remain together while feeding, separated by not more than 1-2 m. Monogamous . Juveniles occur in large groups, as many as 500. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 33; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30; Vertebrae: 26. Light blue to pale bluish gray; upper edge of operculum with a longitudinal iridescent blue band divided into 2 sections. Caudal fin yellowish, some with an orangish streak passing anteriorly from spot; 1st dorsal fin not as high as the 2nd; 2nd dorsal and anal fins not elevated anteriorly; pelvic fins not long; base of pectoral fin usually with a blue-edged salmon-pink spot.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blacktail goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blacktail goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Blacktail goby is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 5 - 80 m , usually 5 - 15 m . Tropical; 22°C - 27°C ; 35°N - 35°S East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesas, and Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island; Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
current-borne zooplankton as high as 3 m above the burrow; tend to remain together while feeding, se
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blacktail Goby is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 97 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blacktail goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Indigo Dartfish · Pale Gudgeon · Spot-tail Dartfish · Spot-tail Hovergoby · Spottail Dartfish · Tail-spot Dart-goby · blacktail goby · indigo hover goby |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson-fléchette à tache caudale |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Ogurokuroyurihaze · オグロクロユリハゼ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 尾斑凹尾塘鱧 · 尾斑鰭塘鱧 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleotris heteropterus | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
| Pteroeleotris heteroptera | Bleeker | 1855 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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